Earthquake hits southwest China; thousands evacuate, buildings collapse

A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue operations continued. Authorities also warned of possible transport disruptions after several buildings collapsed and rail infrastructure inspections were launched.

REUTERS

18 May 2026 at 02:46:27

Earthquake hits southwest China; thousands evacuate, buildings collapse

Rescue workers walk past a damaged building following an earthquake at Taiyang village in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China May 18, 2026.

cnsphoto / Reuters

BEIJING — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck China’s southwestern Guangxi region early Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in the city of Liuzhou to evacuate as search and rescue operations continued.

Chinese state media reported that one person remains missing, while four others were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, 13 buildings collapsed following the quake, which hit during the early morning hours.

Railway authorities also warned of possible transportation disruptions as inspections of rail infrastructure were carried out to ensure safety.

Despite the damage, state media said communication and power lines, as well as water and gas services, remained operational in the affected areas. Traffic conditions were also reported to be normal.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and recovery efforts remain underway. -Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue/Reuters